Anne Hilton is a devoted housewife grappling with the reality of her husband’s departure to fight in World War II. With her teenage daughters, Jane and Bridget, she resolves to maintain a semblance of normalcy amid the background of wartime America. Financial constraints force them to take in a lodger, Colonel Smollett, a retired and cantankerous military man who initially clashes with the family. The Hilton household adjusts to this new stranger in their lives, each character providing a glimpse into the personal sacrifices and struggles faced on the homefront. Their neighbors and friends, such as the warm-hearted Tony Willett and the optimistic local cook Fidelia, further color their experiences with shared moments of joy and sorrow.

The central narrative explores Anne’s efforts to support her daughters while navigating her own burgeoning feelings and responsibilities. Jane shows a burgeoning intense interest in supporting the war effort, developing a complicated friendship with Tony Willett that adds layers of emotional complexity. Bridget, younger and impressionable, brings moments of innocence and hope to the troubling times. Relationships are tested, new bonds are formed, and everyone learns to cope with the prolonged absence of loved ones. As they face the uncertainty of war, their intertwined lives reveal the themes of loyalty, love, and resilience that define the era's domestic sphere.